Tottenham Hotspur fans around the world would have been hoping that Micky van de Ven is fit to start in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool.
Van de ven was benched against Brentford as a precaution as the Dutch defender did not feet fully fit to play.
Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that Micky van de Ven can feature against Liverpool as he is arguably their most important player — letting Spurs set up with their much-discussed high line as his recovery pace is second to none.
Liverpool are known to be quite direct and if they can get in behind Tottenham’s defence, they could run riot in the former VfL Wolfsburg centre-back’s absence.
With the Lilywhites leading 1-0 after the first leg, the prospect of Arne Slot’s side staging a comeback would be one that they would be fearful of.
Micky van de Ven ruled out of Liverpool vs Tottenham clash
Tottenham’s players are driven by the cup competitions this season but Van de Ven’s presence will be key to their success.
The 23-year-old is not only a commanding figure at the back but also a leader on the pitch who could help a young Spurs side handle the pressure of such a high-profile occasion.
Unfortunately for Tottenham fans, Van de Ven has been ruled out of their clash against Liverpool by Ange Postecoglou, alongside Cristian Romero.
Postecoglou said via Tottenham’s official website: “He got through the game [Elfsborg] , no problem but the Premier League is a whole different beast.”
“But, after losing Radu, I sat down and thought about what we had ahead of us still… I feel like we’ve got to be more conservative.”
“Don’t get me wrong, we have a couple of massive games this week for sure but we have also afforded ourselves a couple of weeks without midweek fixtures. Beyond that, Europe kicks in, which is massive for us, hopefully we’re in a final in the Carabao Cup, hopefully we’re still in the FA Cup. I just don’t see the sense right now in risking that.”
Tottenham signings Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso are available to face Liverpool
The good news is that Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel are available for selection against Liverpool.
Postecoglou said via Football.London: “For availability from last week, everyone fine. Kevin and Mathys are both available and have trained. The rest of them, no one available for tomorrow. With Micky and Romero to a certain extent, it’s about being conservative with them.”
“Micky got through the 45 minutes but he feels he’s not ready yet for the step up to the Premier League yet. Obviously a big shame to lose Radu.”
Tel and Danso could instantly go down as Tottenham heroes if they set the world alight on their debuts and lead Spurs to a famous win; kicking their careers off in style at Spurs and give themselves the perfect confidence boost heading into their subsequent Premier League games as well.